7
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
3CATALYTIC CONVERTER
SH020A1-E
Catalytic Convertor Operation Precautions ; For a petrol engine
HFC505
Hyundai Matrix models are fitted with
catalytic convertors which require spe- cial operating considerations. The cata- lytic convertor serves to oxidize cer-tain noxious elements of the exhaust gases leaving the engine to reduce the level of pollutants emitted from thevehicle and, provided that care is ex- ercised to prevent damage, the cata- lyst will operate efficiently for the lifeof the vehicle.
Catalytic Converter It is of the utmost importance that the
following information is read and un- derstood by the vehicle operator in order to prevent operational problems arising from damage to the catalyst.
Damage to the catalyst will result if
contamination occurs through the useof leaded fuel. Whilst the vehicle isfitted with a reduced diameter filler neck to prevent charging of the fuel tank with a leaded fuel pump nozzle, itis possible that the use of funnels or jerry cans will permit leaded fuel to be introduced into the fuel tank.
The catalyst is intolerant of unburnt
fuel and therefore if an engine misfirecondition exists, damage to the cata- lyst will occur. It is imperative that if a misfire condition develops, the ve-hicle is immediately presented to a Hyundai authorised repairer for rectifi- cation. Similarly, the practice of cer-tain ignition system diagnosis proce- dures which involve inducing a misfire (cylinder power balance tests for ex-ample) may result in catalyst damage. For these reasons, it is advisable thatthe exhaust gas emission be tested ateach routine service with a gas ana- lyzer having a Hydrocarbon measuring facility to ensure continued reliabilityof the catalyst.Push or tow starting of the vehicle is tobe avoided since unburnt fuel may beenter the catalyst and result in dam- age. (Note, it is impossible to push or tow start a Hyundai model equippedwith fuel injection since the fuel pump safety interlock will prevent the pump from operating under these conditions).Operation of the catalyst involves ex-tremely high temperatures being at-tained within the catalytic convertor, and although the convertor is fitted with heat shields, it is important thatthe vehicle is not parked over combus- tible or volatile material which may result in fire. If the above precautions are not ad- hered to and the catalyst becomes inoperative, the resultant increase incore temperature will result in a "melt down" where the catalyst core will melt and subsequently may block the ex-haust system.
